Q#2 Brathwaite

Kamau Brathwaite: Roots

• Ann Arbor Paperbacks

  • Published by the University of Michigan Press

  • Copyright © by Kamau Brathwaite, 1993

• ISBNs: 0-472-09544-7, 0-472-06544-7

• First edition: 1986 by Ediciones Casa de las Américas, Havana

Table of Contents

• Sir Galahad and the Islands / 7

• Roots / 28

• Jazz and the West Indian novel / 55

• Caribbean critics / 111

• Creative literature of the British West Indies during the period of slavery / 127

• Brother Mais / 171

• The African presence in Caribbean literature / 190

• History of the voice / 259

Page 3: The Legend of Cuffee Ned

• Bournehills Mas' Pageant:

  • Annual celebration reflects the community's shared history and struggle.

  • Represents defiance against systemic oppression.

  • Community voices unify to celebrate a moment of rebellion.

Themes

• Collective Identity:

  • Voices of the community emphasize collective strength and trust.

  • Recognition of a shared heritage despite historical oppression.

Page 4: The Complexity of Caribbean Languages

• Language Diversity:

• Creole, English, and remnants of ancestral languages coexist.

  • English is the imposed imperial language.

  • Creole emerges as a linguistic adaptation blending African languages and English.

• Historical Background:

  • The Caribbean islands were originally populated by Amerindian peoples.

  • Post-Columbus, European colonization fragmented local cultures and introduced slavery.

  • Imported laborers from West Africa brought their languages, influencing Caribbean English.

Page 5: Language and Education

• Educational Systems:

  • The dominant system perpetuates colonial languages, ignoring local linguistic diversity.

  • A disconnect exists between the educational curriculum and Caribbean realities.

• Cultural Disconnect:

  • Local heroes and experiences are overshadowed by British literature.

  • Influence on Literature:

  • Caribbean writers often adopt foreign literary models over indigenous experiences.

Page 6: Emergence of Nation Language

• Nation Language vs. Dialect:

• Nation Language incorporates African influences and everyday speech.

• The importance of oral tradition in maintaining cultural heritage.

Examples in Literature

• Calypso and Rhythm:

  • Calypso as a potential avenue for new poetic forms, breaking traditional boundaries.

Page 7: Characteristics of Nation Language

• Draws heavily from African oral traditions and reflects cultural experiences.

• Cultural Identity:

  • Emergence of distinct sounds, rhythms, and expressions rooted in Caribbean life.

The Influence of Music

• Music deeply interwoven with language, providing rhythmic and expressive patterns.

Page 8: The Role of Poets and Cultural Forms

• Contemporary Poets:

  • Some Caribbean poets explore nation language and the complexities within local culture.

• Literary criticisms often lag in recognizing the validity of dialects as rich linguistic expressions.

Page 9: Nation Language as a Cultural Strategy

• Importance of acknowledging the poetic forms derived from oral traditions.

• Comparative Analysis:

• Study of historical influences reveals a growing recognition of indigenous contributions.

Page 10-12: Poetry and Social Commentaries

• Examination of poems addressing socio-political issues in Caribbean society.

Upper-Class Influence

• Poets from upper classes often write in conventional formats, potentially lacking depth in representation.

Page 13: Language and Identity

• Recognition of poets who have used their platform to address local issues and cultural suppression.

• Miss Lou's Contribution:

  • Critique of colonial language hierarchies.

  • Focus on folk and community language shapes identity.

Page 20-26: Evolution and Contemporary Expression of Nation Language

• Emerging Styles and Voices:

  • Voices like Michael Smith and Oku Onoura epitomize this blend of cultural expressions today.

• Poets harness musical elements to create impactful societal narratives.

Nation Language in Popular Culture

• Reggae, calypso, and other musical styles reflect the vibrancy of Caribbean society and its struggles.